Arlington Cemetery is the final resting place for more than 285.000 people. Twenty-seven to 30 funeral services are held here every day.

Arlington Cemetery is the final resting place for more than 285.000 people. Twenty-seven to 30 funeral services are held here every day.

Photo: Ingrid H. Storaas

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The Memorial Amphitheater, where the observance continued after the Wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns.

The Memorial Amphitheater, where the observance continued after the Wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns.

Photo: Ingrid H. Storaas

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God Bless America was played before President Obama entered the Amphitheater's rostrum.

God Bless America was played before President Obama entered the Amphitheater's rostrum.

Photo: Ingrid H. Storaas

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First Lady Michelle Obama also attended the ceremonies. Together with Jill Biden, she recently launched the Joining Forces initiative to honor and support military veterans and their families.

First Lady Michelle Obama also attended the ceremonies. Together with Jill Biden, she recently launched the Joining Forces initiative to honor and support military veterans and their families.

Photo: Ingrid H. Storaas

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A veteran salutes President Obama as he enters the stage.

A veteran salutes President Obama as he enters the stage.

Photo: Ingrid H. Storaas

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Photo: Ingrid H. Storaas

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More than 5.000 people participate in the Veterans Day observance each year. The visitors pray for the veterans and their families.

More than 5.000 people participate in the Veterans Day observance each year. The visitors pray for the veterans and their families.

Photo: Ingrid H. Storaas

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Photo: Ingrid H. Storaas

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Veterans Day is a day for thanking those who have served our country. Many do so with flags.

Veterans Day is a day for thanking those who have served our country. Many do so with flags.

Photo: Ingrid H. Storaas

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Photo: Ingrid H. Storaas

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President Obama urged all Americans to "recruit our veterans" in his speech.

President Obama urged all Americans to "recruit our veterans" in his speech.

Photo: Ingrid H. Storaas

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Photo: Ingrid H. Storaas

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Photo: Ingrid H. Storaas

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Photo: Ingrid H. Storaas

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Photo: Ingrid H. Storaas

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Many come to lay flowers on their loved ones graves on this special day.

Many come to lay flowers on their loved ones graves on this special day.

Photo: Ingrid H. Storaas

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Photo: Ingrid H. Storaas

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Many families and friends travel to Arlington National Cemetery on Veterans Day, to pay an extra tribute to their loved ones.

Many families and friends travel to Arlington National Cemetery on Veterans Day, to pay an extra tribute to their loved ones.

Photo: Ingrid H. Storaas

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Photo Gallery: Saluting our veterans at Arlington National Cemetery

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Unlike last year, President Obama participated in Veterans Day ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery today. After the 20 cannon shots that marked his arrival to the site, Obama laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown before speaking in the National Amphitheater.

In his speech, Obama reminded the audience of his promise to the veterans that they “shall come home to a country that is always there for them, in the same way as they have been there for us.”

Last year, 20.2 million American men and 1.8 million women were veterans. Many of America’s newest war veterans face an uncertain future when they return home. Unemployment is especially high among young Veterans who have served in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, according to a Bloomberg article.